The practice of religious conversion in the 21st century has revived academic interest in the subject. Most theories and frameworks for understanding religious conversion are still based on outdated models. Recent studies have focused primarily on converts’ testimonies, which is a valuable starting point for contextualizing religious conversion. However, much of this research has concentrated on individuals and their past religious worldviews. There is a significant gap in understanding the contextualization of religious conversion in relation to culture, theology, community, and other factors. In September, OCMS will address this gap through its MBL lecture series, focusing on the contextualization of religious conversion in the majority world. Full Programme Details here
Previous Lectures
Speaker Rev. Jackline Makena
About the speaker Rev. Jackline Makena is a minister in the Methodist Church in Kenya and a theologian. She has a vast experience in research and writing on contemporary theological issues, especially on Gender, Eco-theology, Ethics and Social Justice. Her interests are Christian mentorship for young people and the marginalized in society.
Quakerism in Kenya, a Women’s Movement: The United Society of Friends Women Prayer Meetings for Gender Justice
Speaker Esther Mombo
The Legacy of Women in Theological Education in Kenya
Overview The presenter discusses the groups of Kenyan Christian scholars that worked towards overcoming marginalisation of women in Kenya, with example of the Pentecostal Church., Mary Wanjiku Kihuha is a lecturer at Pan-Africa Christian University Kenya School of Theology and Biblical Studies, a Nagel Institute research grantee as well as a member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.
Speaker Mary Wanjiku Kihuha
About the speaker Mary Wanjiku Kihuha is a lecturer at Pan-Africa Christian University Kenya School of Theology and Biblical Studies, a Nagel Institute research grantee as well as a member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.
Christian Commentary on 1 Enoch – theologising and books outside the Protestant Canon
Speaker Dr Ralph Lee
Learning from Orthodoxy: The Cult of Saints in the Ethiopian Orthodox Täwaḥǝdo Church
Overview Ethiopia is one of the countries where Christianity was introduced before the schism of the one Christian Church. Its ancient civilisation was closely associated with Christianity, which strongly shaped the socio-cultural views and habits of its people, including the veneration of saints. In this session, Calum goes into more detail and cites examples.
Speaker Rev. Calum Samuelson
Overview Our speakers present an Ethiopian prayer book from the Middle Ages that's still in use today. This remarkable prayer book, dedicated to the Holy Trinity and its miracles, serves as a faithful guide with daily scripture readings and prayers written by saints and patriarchs. Through the insights of our presenters, the lecture explores how this treasured tool offers a window into Ethiopian religious development.
Speaker Dr Ralph Lee and Rev Calum Samuelson
Unmuting the Language of my Body through Fitness
Overview Ashleigh's approach is rooted in a profound faith. She intertwines spirituality into her healing techniques, guiding trauma afflicted women not only towards rebuilding their lives but also rekindling a connection with God. Ashleigh's dedication stems from her work with grassroots organizations and her personal conviction to the divine calling she feels.
Speaker Ashleigh Gibb
About the speaker Ashleigh Gibb has devoted her life to empowering survivors of abuse, with a specific emphasis on trafficked women. Drawing from her deep experience spanning five years in Bangkok and her current engagement at a safe house in California, Ashleigh taps into the transformative power of fitness, nutrition, and trauma-sensitive exercise.
Power, Glory and Wealth: The Perennial Evolution of Empire and the Enchantment of the Christian Movement
Speaker Nestor M. Ravilas
Speaker Dr. Vilma “Nina” Balmaceda
